Rumour Reel: Benteke to Sunderland as Moyes moves to beat old club Everton?

Supporters on Wearside awake this morning to see tabloid back pages linking Christian Benteke to Sunderland.

Thursday’s gossip columns claim that Liverpool’s big striker Benteke is prepared to leave Anfield on loan in a bid to revive his career that has stalled under Jurgen Klopp.

Benteke to Sunderland, Salvio switch sought?

Merseyside rivals Everton, who have a penchant for signing talent from Belgium, could also be interested in Benteke, but it is understood any move depends on whether compatriot Romelu Lukaku returns to Chelsea.

New Black Cats boss David Moyes has already expressed concerns over the lack of summer signings at the Stadium of Light, but now faces a potential tug-of-war with former club the Toffees in his bid to bring Benteke to Sunderland.

Moyes has also been linked with ex-Everton charge Marouane Fellaini – another Belgian who followed the Scottish manager to Manchester United when he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson. As the above picture suggests, Fellaini is firm friends with national teammate Benteke.

Argentina and Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio is a rumoured alternative attacking target for the Black Cats, but the likes of Monaco and AC Milan are also chasing his services.

Draxler deal for £50m plus, but Gunners gossip says there’s funds

Elsewhere, Wolfsburg and Germany talent Julian Draxler will cost Arsenal a minimum of £50m – if the Bundesliga club sell at all.

Granit Xhaka apart, the Gunners are yet to make another major summer signing with Japan forward Takuma Asano and young centre back Rob Holding both aged 21 and under.

In other Gunners gossip, Arsene Wenger is understood to have the Arsenal board’s full backing to pay whatever price tags are put on other targets Shkodran Mustafi and Alexandre Lacazette.

Hammers on alert for Ayew brothers if Bacca bid breaks down

West Ham United still hope to make a marquee signing to add to their options up front, but the quality of player they are able to attract to the Olympic Stadium appears to hinge on Europa League progression.

AC Milan’s Colombia international marksman will only move to the Hammers if they qualify for the group stage of that continental competition.

That leaves the Ayew brothers, Andre of Swansea City and Jordan of relegated former Premier League side Aston Villa, as alternative striking targets.

Slaven Bilic appears willing to buy both, though it’s elder sibling Andre he wants, but a family reunion in London might sweeten this protracted transfer.